Migraines are severe headaches that are extremely painful and debilitating. Many patients are unaware that they are having a migraine until it reaches its most severe point and they visit their doctors. Some patients only experience migraines once in a while, but others suffer from chronic migraine headaches, which require consistent treatment. In recent years, some patients have received Botox injections to prevent the onset of migraines.
Step 1
Monitor the occurrence of your migraines. In cases where botulinum toxin type A, commercially known as Botox, is effective, the patient suffers from chronic, recurring migraines. Botox is not the best treatment option for patients who only experience migraines episodically, and as such, these patients should seek alternative treatments.
Step 2
Discuss injections of Botox, as a form of treatment with your physician. Your physician can assess whether Botox injections could possibly prevent your migraines. If it is determined that it is a viable option, your treating physician will usually provide a referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can administer the injection.
Step 3
Visit the plastic surgeon or dermatologist for the Botox injections. In the treatment of migraines, Botox is injected into the forehead and neck muscles. When injected, Botox causes the muscles to relax, fighting off the pain sensations associated with migraines. Botox injections are a preventive treatment method, and do not provide relief for active symptoms. Botox injections used to treat migraines must be repeated. The Mayo Clinic indicates that these injections should be repeated approximately every three months.
Step 4
Monitor the occurrence of migraines after receiving the Botox injections. This will help your treating physician determine the effectiveness of the injections.
Step 5
Report any side effects or negative results after receiving the injections. Patients should also continue their regular course of treatment unless otherwise specified by their physicians.
